That still isn't great pay considering most folks don't stay more than 5 years. My buddy was in the Marines for 5 years. I think they make less than the Army does. I guess when you consider that housing, bennies are paid for and food through comissary is cheaper the pay isn't too bad.

 

Don't know about your education level/expertise, but at your age, an officer's commission would be a better route.
I mean, if you were 18 and out of high-school, then I would go the enlisted route.
But, at least with a commission, you won't have to deal too much with being pushed around by someone younger than you are.
Not to mention the pay/benefits are much better, and you get to take the family with, depending on what you're assigned to.
Just remember this route usually requires at least a B/S or B/A.
Or, an Associates of Nursing if going the Army Reserve or National Guard route.

As a whole though, I would recommend the truck-driving route if you're into working by yourself.
That's the reason why I pretty much threw the services out as an option for myself.
Too much of a lone-wolf and didn't really give any ideas to the team when it came to work.
And that's pretty much what all branches of the military heavily emphasize, team work.

 

Ya I have took everything in and I guess I make it more complicated :? then it really is, I guess at my age now I think about what can happen to me and how my family would feel I guess thats why alot of people when they are out of high school join because they dont think about those things and I do and I guess thats what makes me stop and think is it worth it but hell who knows I might get in and love it but another thing is I'm stuck in it if I join and have to deal with it if I dont like it. I dont know guys I guess Ill see how it goes and see if I have a coming to Jesus but all an all it doesnt seem to bad except the fact I can go somewhere for a year or longer without my family and maybe just maybe not ever come home and that bothers me more then being stuck or not likeing it, just the fact my boys will grow up without me at all :sad:

 

Sounds to me like you are suffering from a condition of trying to make everybody happy and overanalysis.

Both situations of armed forces and truck driving you have nothing to judge on how you will react is causing you to second guess what you are thinking about and deciding on.

Unfortunately, the only way to find out how you will react is to get into it - sorry but there is no other way. If it was me, I would base my decision on what it would take to get out of the choice - and if you are willing to pay that price.

 

Call Ensign United states drilling in Greeley, Co.

Startin pay is $20.00 an hour with OT.
Room and board takin care of.
Hard hat and FRC's supplied.
And excellent benny's

They will train you to drive winch truck.

All we do is move drill rigs.

 

Actually....all of the "Services" use the same pay scale. Its congressionally set. The only differences might be "proficiency pay" for certain occupational specialties...and some areas have a cost of living allowance. I think, from what I have been told...that because the Marines are a "smaller" force....it takes longer and is harder to make rank.

While the pay in the lower ranks is nothing terrific....you still have to consider that for the average high school graduate who doesn't have "great prospects" job wise....the pay beats the dickens out of most jobs they might get...in most areas. For the career service member....the pay is better...and considering that medical care is free, housing is free or allowance paid, food free or allowance paid....it all adds up.

Like anything in life....there is good and bad when it comes to military life. Myself...even though I spent two and a half years in Vietnam...I had a pretty good time for the ten years I was in the Army. If I had it to do over.....I would have stayed and finished 30. But its not for everybody. And its not a job you can easily "quit" from.

 

My eldest brother did a full 30 in the military...10 Marine Corp...20 Army. His retirement check was $3745 a month plus the Triad HC. His wife is still receiving the check.


He passed in June 2000, 43 years and 8 months after being wounded for the last time in Vietnam (he has a PH with 5 clusters). His cancer was caused by scar tissue surrounding a piece of schrapnel(sp) that was between his right lung and his back.

 

Pa y sure has changed when I enlisted I think I started out at $419. a month ops: just goes to show how old i am :lol:

 

Changed indeed. I retired 4 years ago as a Navy Senior Chief (E-8). Counting my un-taxed housing allowance, I was making a little over 74,000 dollars a year when I got out. A 30 year old man or woman can retire at 50 and look forward to a decnt check coming in for the rest of their lives. Not too old at all. I'm going on 50 and could still run, hump, pump and jump with the Marines if I had too.

 

To get that much pay.....I was an E-5 in Vietnam, no taxes, combat pay and special rations money!!...

When I joined in 67', after they got the $18.75 for the bond, the QM Laundy money.....I think I was lucky to have $30.00 left to last the month!! Yep, I'm in my "late 50's"..... 8)